Countdown for 15 guests, dinner at 3 pm
A frozen turkey at 1.25 lb a person (the dinner calculator's standard appetite) and Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Times in bold are on the day; amounts come from the Thanksgiving dinner calculator.
| When | What | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, November 20 | Frozen turkey into the refrigerator | 5 days for 19 lb at about 24 hours per 4 to 5 lb, plus a spare day. |
| Wednesday, November 25 | Pies, cranberry sauce, chopping | 3 pies, 3.75 cups of cranberry sauce, the onions and celery for 12 cups of stuffing. |
| 9:40 am | Oven on to 325°F | Giblets out; pat the bird dry. |
| 10:00 am | Turkey in, unstuffed | Allows the full 4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min. |
| 2:15 pm | First temperature check | 165°F in the thickest part of the thigh and breast. |
| 2:15 pm | Potatoes on to boil | 8 lb for mashing. |
| 2:30 pm | Turkey out to rest | 30 minutes under foil; stuffing and casseroles into the oven. |
| 2:40 pm | Gravy and rolls | 6 cups of gravy, 23 rolls. |
| 3:00 pm | Carve and serve |
The 19 lb turkey at other dinner times
Each time uses the long end of the USDA range at 325°F and a 30 minute rest, so a fast bird just rests longer.
| Dinner at | Oven on | Turkey in | First check | Out to rest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 pm | 7:40 am | 8:00 am | 12:15 pm | 12:30 pm |
| 2:00 pm | 8:40 am | 9:00 am | 1:15 pm | 1:30 pm |
| 3:00 pm | 9:40 am | 10:00 am | 2:15 pm | 2:30 pm |
| 4:00 pm | 10:40 am | 11:00 am | 3:15 pm | 3:30 pm |
| 5:00 pm | 11:40 am | 12:00 pm | 4:15 pm | 4:30 pm |
Fifteen guests: one big turkey or two smaller ones
One 19 lb turkey roasts for 4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min and goes in at 10:00 am for a 3 pm dinner. Two birds sized for 8 guests each, about 10 lb apiece, roast in 2 h 45 min to 3 h and need only 3 days to thaw instead of 5.
Two smaller turkeys can save time only if both fit in the oven with room for the air to move. Two pans in one oven can roast more slowly than one, so start checking each bird with a thermometer at the short end of its time, and allow the full 4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min if the oven is crowded. Some cooks roast the second bird on a grill or in a borrowed oven.
How much turkey a person? The USDA's consumer guide allows about 1 lb of whole turkey a person for a fresh or frozen bird and 1¼ lb for a pre-stuffed one; this page uses 1.25 lb. See how big a turkey for 15 people, how much food for 15 and the one-oven Thanksgiving cooking schedule.
Want to change anything else? The calculator above is the full Turkey Size Calculator: How Big a Turkey for Thanksgiving?: edit any number and the results update instantly.
Tools & materials for this project
Affiliate links As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. These links do not change what you pay.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Thanksgiving timeline for 15 people?
Move a frozen 19 lb turkey to the refrigerator by Friday, November 20, make the pies and cranberry sauce on Wednesday, November 25, and for a 3 pm dinner put the turkey in at 10:00 am with the oven on at 9:40 am.
Is it better to cook two turkeys for 15 people?
It can be. Two birds of about 10 lb roast in 2 h 45 min to 3 h against 4 h 15 min to 4 h 30 min for one 19 lb bird, and thaw in 3 days instead of 5, if your oven fits both.
How many pies for 15 guests?
3 pies of 8 slices at a standard appetite, with at least one of each of three kinds. Bake them on Wednesday, November 25.
Related sizes and guides
Related sizes
Estimates only. Results assume standard materials and simple shapes. Supplier products vary, and the final call on quantity, structure and safety is yours. Check your local code and your supplier's guidance before ordering.